Best Tofu Scampi Recipes

TOFU SCRAMBLE

Steps:

• Cut the block of tofu in half horizontally as you would a hamburger bun. Pat both pieces dry and wrap in paper towels. If time allows, press the tofu by placing a cast-iron skillet or other heavy object on top of the wrapped tofu for about 30 minutes. (This helps remove moisture so the tofu retains its shape better during cooking.)
• In a measuring cup or bowl, combine the soy sauce, turmeric and cumin with 2 tablespoons water.
• Unwrap the tofu and season on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add the tofu blocks and cook until golden brown and crisp on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the tofu and cook until golden brown and crisp on the other side, another 3 to 4 minutes. If the tofu is emitting water, hold the tofu with a spatula and pour the water out of the pan.
• Lower the heat to medium. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, break up the tofu into chunks. Add the scallions and the seasoning mixture and cook, stirring and continuing to break up the tofu, until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

TOFU SCAMPI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Press tofu by placing it on a plate covered with 3 layers of paper towels. Cover the tofu with 3 more layers of paper towels and put a weight on top. (I use a large can from the cupboard.) Press it for 30-60 minutes, changing paper towels if needed. Then pat the tofu dry and slice into 1-inch cubes.
• Place 2 tablespoons of the oil in a shallow dish. Place the cornstarch in a separate dish. Toss tofu in oil, covering all sides, then roll in cornstarch. Put tofu in one layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy with a browned exterior. Be careful not to overcook the tofu or it will be tough.
• Start the spinach about 10 minutes after tofu goes in the oven. Brown spinach lightly (2-3 minutes) in a little bit of olive oil, then cover and cook over low heat, adding 1 tablespoon water, for 3 minutes.
• Saute the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and basil. Cook briefly on medium heat just until the garlic is golden brown. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and cover to keep warm. When tofu has finished cooking, serve it over the braised spinach.

CRISPY TOFU WITH BALSAMIC TOMATOES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Arrange tofu slices on a clean kitchen towel or on paper towels. Cover with another kitchen towel (or paper towels) and place a flat cutting board or baking pan on top. If your cutting board or pan is lightweight, stack a few cans or a skillet on top to weigh it down. Let tofu drain for at least 15 minutes, and up to 45 minutes.
• Transfer tofu to a cutting board and cut slabs into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides of the tofu with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon oil, cornstarch, garlic powder (if using) and 1/2 teaspoon of the oregano. Add tofu to cornstarch mixture and gently toss until tofu is evenly coated. Dump tofu onto one side of the prepared sheet pan.
• In a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil, tossing to combine.
• Arrange vegetables on other side of the prepared sheet pan. Bake until tofu is crisp and golden brown, and tomatoes are condensed, 25 to 35 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip tofu and toss vegetables while keeping the tofu and veggies separate.
• To serve, sprinkle cilantro on top and drizzle with balsamic and oil, if you'd like.

CRISPY TOFU AND CABBAGE STIR-FRY

Steps:

• In a large bowl, sprinkle the red onion with salt and stir to combine. In a medium bowl, stir together the cornstarch and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the tofu and toss to coat.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add the cabbage and cook, undisturbed, until charred underneath, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir, spread into an even layer, and cook, undisturbed, until charred in spots and crisp-tender, another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce, and season with salt. Transfer to the bowl of red onions.
• In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high. Add the tofu and cook until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side, adding more oil and scraping the bottom of the pan as necessary. Remove from heat, add the coriander seeds and stir gently until fragrant and toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cabbage-onion mixture and stir to combine, then stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Season to taste with soy sauce.